UPDATE: A father has been sentenced to 30 months in prison after he ran over another man in a shocking incident outside a Taco Bell in Kirkby on July 20, 2023. Bryan Southern, a father of six, confronted Andrew Sanders over allegations of bullying involving their children, but the situation escalated violently, leading to serious legal repercussions.
The violent clash occurred around 12:30 PM in the parking lot adjacent to the Taco Bell drive-thru. Southern had arranged to meet Sanders to “resolve it amicably” after his son was reportedly bullied by Sanders’ children. However, the meeting quickly turned chaotic. Witnesses described how Southern was knocked unconscious before he got behind the wheel of his car, driving it directly at Sanders.
Christopher Hopkins, prosecuting, detailed the incident in Liverpool Crown Court, stating, “The defendant lost it. He drove at speed at Mr. Sanders, running him over.” Southern’s vehicle nearly pinned Sanders beneath it before crashing into a lamppost, halting the assault. CCTV footage confirmed the harrowing events, showing Sanders being knocked down and left with abrasions to his legs.
The court heard that Southern’s actions were fueled by a history of bullying involving his son. Defense attorney Matthew O’Neill argued that Southern was provoked, citing ongoing incidents of bullying by Sanders’ children. “He got to a point that, when this incident took place, it clearly went from nought to 60 in a matter of seconds,” O’Neill said.
After running down Sanders, Southern fled the scene, prompting a police chase during which he drove at speeds of 50 mph in a 30 mph zone and ran two red lights. He was eventually apprehended by law enforcement.
Judge Stuart Driver KC, in delivering the sentence, emphasized the serious nature of Southern’s actions. “You deliberately drove your car at the other man… You drove it into him, causing him to be under the front of your vehicle,” the judge stated. He noted that it was “pure luck” that no serious injuries occurred, which could have led to a harsher sentence.
Southern expressed remorse during the proceedings, acknowledging the far-reaching impacts of his actions on his partner and six children. He has been disqualified from driving for three years and three months alongside his prison sentence.
As this shocking story unfolds, it raises critical questions about parental responsibilities and reactions to bullying, highlighting the devastating consequences that can arise from heated confrontations.
Next steps: The case is likely to spark discussions about how parents address bullying and conflict resolution in schools and communities. The emotional toll on families involved is significant, and many will be watching how this incident influences future behavior and policies regarding bullying.
This urgent incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for peaceful conflict resolution and the dangers of allowing emotions to escalate unchecked.
